Don’t Fear a Recession, but be Prepared

With the challenges of 2022 still looming, including inflation and the Fed’s trend of aggressive interest rate hikes, some economic “experts” have called for a recession in 2023. However, it’s important to note that although not all recessions start for the same reason, they have all been ended by a common adversary; a rally.

The year 2022 has presented difficult challenges, including inflation at 40-year highs and the Fed aggressively hiking interest rates; and it’s been a tricky proposition on how to get things under control: raise rates too much and many fear the next recession is right around the corner. Markets have been reflecting that fear, and while fear is a natural reaction to uncertainty, a look at the past may help provide some reassuring perspective on where we are today. When discussing economic downturns, it’s important to remember that not all recessions are created equal.

What Exactly Is a Recession?

A recession is a significant decline in economic activity that can last for months or even years. A recession is typically recognized when the nation’s Gross Domestic Product contracts for at least two quarters, however that definition has also been challenged this year, as some economists say other factors should be included before declaring a recession. Either way, recessions are a normal, but painful, part of the business cycle.

Recessions are more common than you may think. Since World War II, there have been 13 recessions, with an average duration of 11 months, according to the Congressional Research Service and Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Let’s Look at the Last Three Recessions

2020

The 2020 recession was the shortest in modern U.S. history. When Covid hit, more than 21 million Americans lost their jobs, and the economy contracted by 33%. This recession led to the injection of massive fiscal and monetary stimulus. Businesses adapted, Americans went back to work, and the economy recovered quickly. Stocks rebounded and hit new highs through the end of 2021.

2007-2009

The Great Recession was the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression. It began when the housing bubble burst and the financial system was strained. From late 2007 to mid-2009, nearly 8.7 million jobs were lost, and the stock market was down over 50% at one point. After the recession ended, the U.S. economy and stock markets recorded one of its longest-running upswings in history.

2001

After steady economic growth in the 1990s, the U.S. fell into recession for eight months in 2001. This downturn had its origins in the bursting of the dot-com bubble and was exacerbated by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. While more than 1.3 million people lost their jobs, this recession is considered a relatively mild one. Stocks fell 38% through the recession before rebounding and reaching new heights.

In the examples above, stocks are represented by the S&P 500 Composite Index, an unmanaged index that is considered representative of the overall U.S. stock market. Past performance does not guarantee future results, individuals can’t invest directly in an index, and the return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate over time.

Where Are We Now?

In the past 20 years, we’ve lived through three recessions, each with a different cause, duration, and severity. The one constant is that an economic rebound and market rally followed.

While a recession is not inevitable, economists are raising the odds of one for 2023. If it occurs, there are reasons why it may not be severe.

Consumers are not overextended financially, so there may not be an across-the-board downturn in consumer spending. There might be a pullback in goods purchased, like furniture, cars, and clothes, but pent-up demand for services in a post-pandemic world, like movie theaters, restaurants, and travel, are expected to continue, despite a recession. With household balance sheets in decent shape, once inflation starts to trend lower, there’s a good chance that spending may increase and economic growth will pick up.

If you are nervous about your own financial strategy and ability to weather a possible recession – reach out. We’d be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you have.

Sources/Footnotes

1. Stocks are measured by the S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged index that is considered representative of the overall U.S. stock market. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. The return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.f
   
2. Markets are represented by the S&P 500 Composite Index, an unmanaged index that is considered representative of the overall U.S. stock market. Past performance does not guarantee future results, individuals can’t invest directly in an index, and the return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate over time.

3. A look at the past three recessions (yahoo.com)

4. Recessions Happen More Than You Think: Here’s What To Know (aol.com)

5. How Stocks Performed During The Past 6 Recessions (forbes.com)

6. Next Recession Will Likely Be a ‘Mild’ One, Economists Say (businessinsider.com)

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